Ratnagiri is one of the four districts of the Konkan region in the
southwestern part of Maharashtra State on the Arabian Sea coast. The
birthplace of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak - the man who fired the 'Swadeshi
Movement' and spearheaded the fight against the British as it entered the
20th century, Ratnagiri is an ideal hangout for both the history and leisure
lovers. Ratnagiri became the administrative capital under the Bijapur
rulers. Forming a part of the greater tract - Konkan, Ratnagiri is
historically famous for it long coastline and convenient harbours, together
with it comparative nearness to the Arabian Sea. The surrounding area is
bounded by the Sahyadri Hills on the West; the heavy rainfall results into
highly eroded landscape in the coastal region.
Ratnagiri Attractions
» Tilak Smarak : This is the home of the great
freedom fighter and social reformer, who fired the "Swadeshi Movement",
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
» Bhatye beach : On the outskirts of the city;-
there is the famous Bhatye beach, a right place to fun and frolic.
» Ganapatipule : Situated about 25 km from Ratnagiri
and 375 km from Mumbai, Ganapatipule is an ancient pilgrim centre located in
Ratnagiri district. It has a lot of history behind it while being a very
charming sea town. It houses a Swayambhoo (a naturally formed idol) of
Ganapati.
Untouched by commercialism; the pastoral beauty of the place is
raised manifold by 6 km of virgin beach on the breathtaking Konkan
coastline. Ganapatipule is one of the `Ashta Ganapatis' (eight Ganpatis) of
India and called the "Paschim Dwar-Dewata" (Western Sentinel God).
Other Attractions
Parashuram Temple near Chiplun and Pavas also draw many visitors. Few caves
in the Chiplun, Khed, Dabhol, Sangameshwar, Gauhani Velgaum and Vade Padel
are also worth visiting. The Buddhist legend in the Papanch, Sudan and Srath
Appakasini record the conversion of Konkan to Buddhism and early as the
lifetime of Gautama (BC 560-481) Chiplun, Kol, and Pabol caves indicate that
Sarthawalas or Caravan-men donated some of them.
Other attractions include the Coconut Research Centre, Ratnadurga Fort,
Bhagivati Bunder (sea port) and the Sea Food Processing Centre at Mirya.
Getting There
» By Air : The nearest airport is Ratnagiri, 50 kms.
away.
» By Rail : The nearest railhead is Ratnagiri 50
kms. on the Konkan Railway.
» By Road : The district is well connected
by road transport with important towns such as Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, etc.
